Insight in Problem Solving

For almost a century researchers have continued to be fascinated with the phenomenon of insight in human problem solving. Many different questions have been raised and answers to them have been sought and proposed. However, the research of the insight problem solving has mainly concentrated on the analysis of the insight problems themselves rather than individuals’ experience solving them. This book analyses insight problem solving process from a different perspective – applying Kurt Lewin’s Field theory it investigates dynamic properties of solving an insight problem by analyzing the changes in the state of tension experienced by the problem solver. This book examines the nature of the experience of insight in problem solving and proposes a theoretical formulation of the intensity of insight. Results of four experiments designed to test the proposed theoretical framework are reported and discussed. This theoretical perspective on the experience of insight should be of interest to scholars of the phenomenon of insight and those interested in application of Kurt Lewin’s theory.